Bolinhas Recipe: Delightful Goan Coconut Cardamom Cookies for Christmas

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Bolinhas are a delightful Goan cookie that captures the essence of Christmas. These simple yet delicious treats are made with semolina, sugar, coconut, and a touch of cardamom, creating a unique flavor that signifies Goa’s connection with Portuguese influence. The name “Bolinhas” translates to “cakelets” in Portuguese, showcasing the cultural amalgamation in Goan cuisine. Below is the easy-to-follow recipe for making these festive Goan coconut cardamom cookies:

Ingredients

250 gms semolina

250 gms sugar

1 tbsp ghee

1 cup scraped coconut

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

3 egg yolks

1 egg white

1 tsp baking powder

A pinch of salt

Water

1 tsp cardamom powder

Preparation

Grind the coconut into a paste with a little water.

Prepare sugar syrup in a deep non-stick pan by heating sugar on low flame with a little water.

Add semolina to the syrup, stir well, then add the coconut paste, ghee, and salt. Stir until combined.

Cook the mixture until thick, then let it cool and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, bring the mixture to room temperature, add egg yolks, cardamom powder, and sifted maida with baking powder.

Beat egg white separately and add it to the batter. Mix well and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Shape the dough into small balls, roll them on a board, and create designs on their surface.

Preheat the oven to 180 C, grease baking trays with ghee, place bolinhas on it, and bake with base heat first, then switch to top heat until slightly brown.

Enjoy these Bolinhas as a perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations, bringing a taste of Goan tradition to your holiday treats.